co-presented by Houston Latino Film Festival

with directors Michael Witnes Zapata and Andrew Benavides and photographer Ben DeSoto and Mydolls members Dianna Ray and George Reyes

The story of Ben DeSoto, a Houston photographer who worked as a photo journalist for the Houston Chronicle and the Houston Post for 30 years. These opportunities allowed him to capture and document diverse genres of the early Houston underground punk scene, major touring acts, rap/hip hop culture, and current events.

Program includes pre-screening reception and post-screening panel with directors Michael Witnes Zapata and Andrew Benavides, photographer Ben DeSoto, and Dianna Ray and George Reyes, members of the legendary band Mydolls. Moderated by Richard Tomcala of Public News.

Special Guests

Michael Witnes Zapata

Michael Zapata was first connected to his love of hip-hop while writing in college, covering a public graffiti mural event. By 1995, his DJ aspirations became reality when he was asked to join a hip-hop DJ collective that hosted a weekly night, leading Witnes to become a Lifestyle Marketing Rep for Universal Music in 2005. In 2008, Witnes relocated to New York City and later to Florida to continue managing brand activations and became a well-known DJ in Tampa's party district. In 2016, Witnes shifted gears and became a registered nurse. With his heart left in Houston, he’s internalized his passion for stories from the city and intrigued by the social and cultural anthropology he lived through.

Andrew Benavides

Andrew Benavides has always had an affinity for all things creative. Music was on his mind at first but things quickly changed when he picked up his mom’s old camcorder many years ago, shooting other artists that were creating around him. After he self-produced projects to promote local talent, he became the Creative Producer and one-half of Sucker Punch TV and was also creating music videos that landed on VH1 and MTV. In 2010, Monster Energy brought him in as a Content Producer, and later Video Director in Music Marketing. Andrew most recently joined ThinkBIG Productions. Andrew is currently in post production on a documentary about legendary breakdancing crew, Havikoro.